Specimen holder

Abstract

To provide a specimen holder to which a specimen can be easily attached without bringing hands or the like close to a gripping tool. [Solution] The specimen holder (41) has a holding mechanism (51) that holds a specimen (T) for material testing, and a handle (61) that is spaced apart from the held specimen (T), and the specimen (T) can be freely inserted into the gripping position of the gripping tools (18, 19) of the material testing machine (1) by grasping the handle (61).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a specimen holder. [Background technology]

[0002] Materials testing machines equipped with a holding mechanism for holding a specimen for material testing are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a hydraulic chuck-type universal testing machine. In this type of materials testing machine, an operator holds the specimen by hand, adjusts the specimen's position to the gripping position of the gripping tool of the holding mechanism, and then operates an operation button, such as a hydraulic chuck open / close button, to hold the specimen in the holding mechanism. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-120069 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is desirable to be able to easily attach a specimen without bringing hands or fingers close to the gripping tools of the holding mechanism. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a specimen holder that allows a specimen to be easily attached without bringing hands or the like close to the gripping tool. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present invention relates to a specimen holder that includes a holding mechanism for holding a specimen for material testing and a handle spaced apart from the held specimen, and that allows the specimen to be inserted into a gripping position of a gripper of a materials testing machine by grasping the handle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an operator can easily move the specimen to the gripping position of the gripper by gripping the handle and moving the specimen holder, without bringing the operator's hands or the like close to the gripper. Therefore, the specimen can be easily attached without bringing the operator's hands or the like close to the gripper. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a material testing machine that can use a specimen holder. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a specimen holder according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating separation of a specimen held in a specimen holder. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a top view of the specimen holder. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a front view of the specimen holder. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a specimen holder according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a view showing a specimen holder according to a second embodiment from above. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a side view of a specimen holder according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] [1. First embodiment] First, a material testing machine that can use the specimen holder according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a material testing machine 1. The material testing machine 1 is a testing machine that performs a tensile test by chucking (holding) a specimen T with a pair of grippers 18, 19 and applying a test load in a tensile direction corresponding to the direction in which the distance between the pair of grippers 18, 19 widens, and is also called a universal testing machine. The specimen T can be made of test pieces of various shapes and sizes, such as round bars and irregularly shaped bars, and can be made of steel or other metals.

[0010] In the following description, when the grippers 18 and 19 need to be particularly distinguished, they will be referred to as the first gripper 18 and the second gripper 19, respectively. Figure 1 shows the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions of the materials testing machine 1. The X-axis and Y-axis are axes that are perpendicular to each other in a horizontal plane, with the X-axis extending along the left-right direction of the materials testing machine 1 and the Y-axis extending along the depth direction of the materials testing machine 1, or alternatively, along the front-to-back direction. The Z-axis is an axis that extends vertically and along the height direction of the materials testing machine 1.

[0011] The material testing machine 1 includes a testing machine main body 10 that applies a test load to a specimen T, and a control device 100 that controls the testing machine main body 10. The testing machine main body 10 has a base 11 that is placed on the floor. A ram cylinder 12 is disposed on the base 11. The ram cylinder 12 has a ram 12a that can be raised and lowered hydraulically. A hydraulic source is connected to the ram cylinder 12. The hydraulic pressure inside the ram cylinder 12 is measured by a pressure cell (not shown) and input to the control device 100. A rectangular plate-shaped table 13 is fixed to the upper end of the ram 12a. The table 13 is driven to rise and fall by the ram cylinder 12.

[0012] A pair of support columns 14 extending vertically are arranged on the table 13, spaced apart along a first diagonal direction extending from the rear left side to the front right side in FIG. 1. An upper crosshead 15 extending in the width direction is supported on the top of the pair of support columns 14. When the table 13 is driven to move up and down, the upper crosshead 15 moves up and down via the pair of support columns 14.

[0013] A pair of threaded rods 16 extending vertically and spaced apart along a second diagonal line extending from the front left side to the rear right side in FIG. 1 are inserted into the table 13. The pair of threaded rods 16 are rotated using a rotation mechanism including a motor. A lower crosshead 17 extending in the width direction is supported by the pair of threaded rods 16 at a position corresponding to between the table 13 and the upper crosshead 15. As the pair of threaded rods 16 are rotated, the lower crosshead 17 moves up and down.

[0014] The upper crosshead 15 includes a first gripping tool 18 capable of gripping an upper end portion of the test piece T corresponding to a first end in the longitudinal direction, and a first switch box 15s. The first gripper 18 has a pair of gripping teeth 18a, 18b that clamp the upper end of the specimen T from the left and right using a drive source such as a hydraulic cylinder. By opening the pair of gripping teeth 18a, 18b to the left and right, the specimen T can be moved back and forth to the gripping position of the pair of gripping teeth 18a, 18b. In this state, by closing the pair of gripping teeth 18a, 18b, the upper end of the specimen T can be gripped. The first switch box 15s is equipped with at least a manual operator that switches the first gripper 18 between an open and an open state.

[0015] The lower crosshead 17 includes a second gripper 19 capable of gripping a lower end portion of the test piece T corresponding to a second longitudinal end thereof, and a second switch box 17s. The second gripping tool 19 has a pair of gripping teeth 19a, 19b that clamp the lower end of the specimen T from the left and right using a drive source such as a hydraulic cylinder. By opening the pair of gripping teeth 19a, 19b to the left and right, the specimen T can be moved back and forth to the gripping position of the pair of gripping teeth. In this state, by closing the pair of gripping teeth 19a, 19b, the lower end of the specimen T can be gripped. The second switch box 17s is equipped with at least a manual operator that switches the second gripping tool 19 between an open and an open state.

[0016] 1 shows a central axis C0 indicating the gripping position of the grippers 18, 19. When a tensile test is performed, the grippers 18, 19 are opened and the specimen T is moved to a position where it overlaps with the central axis C0 of the grippers 18, 19, and then the grippers 18, 19 are closed, thereby setting the specimen T in a state where it is properly gripped by the grippers 18, 19. Thereafter, the upper crosshead 15 is operated under the control of the control device 100, thereby applying a test load to the specimen T. The control device 100 is connected to the testing machine main body 10 so as to be able to send and receive signals therebetween, and functions as a computer that controls the operation of the materials testing machine 1.

[0017] Next, the specimen holder 41 will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the specimen holder 41. As shown in FIG. The specimen holder 41 is a jig for holding the specimen T and setting the held specimen T at the gripping position of the grippers 18 and 19. The specimen holder 41 includes a holding mechanism 51 for holding the specimen T, a handle 61 that can be held by the operator's hand, and a seat plate 71 that is placed on the lower crosshead 17. Unless otherwise specified, the material of each part of the specimen holder 41 in this embodiment is aluminum alloy to reduce the overall weight. However, it may be formed of a metal material other than aluminum alloy, or may be formed of a material other than a metal material, such as a resin material.

[0018] 2, the specimen T held by the holding mechanism 51 is shown schematically by a two-dot chain line, and shows the specimen T moved to a position where it overlaps with the central axis C0 that indicates the gripping position of the grippers 18 and 19. In FIG. 2 and other figures, the forward direction FR, right direction RH, and upward direction UP of the specimen holder 41 are respectively indicated. In this embodiment, when the specimen holder 41 is placed on the lower crosshead 17, the forward direction FR of the specimen holder 41 is aligned along the Y-axis direction of the material testing machine 1, and the rightward direction RH of the specimen holder 41 is aligned along the X-axis direction of the material testing machine 1.

[0019] The holding mechanism 51 is provided with a specimen holding section 52 made of a magnetic member such as a neodymium magnet at the front of the specimen holder 41. The specimen holding section 52 is supported at an interval above and below by a support member 53 made of a plate-like member extending in the vertical direction. Therefore, the specimen T can be held by magnetic force in front of the specimen holding section 52. In other words, the holding mechanism 51 is magnetic, and can easily hold the specimen T made of a material that can be attracted by magnetic force.

[0020] Each specimen holding section 52 is provided at a position where it holds the area of ​​the specimen T, excluding both ends held by the gripping tools 18, 19 of the material testing machine 1, with a gap between them above and below. If the specimen T cannot be attracted by magnetic force, the specimen T can be held by the holding mechanism 51 by temporarily providing another member that can be attracted by magnetic force on the specimen T.

[0021] A groove 52v is formed on the front surface of the specimen holder 52, which is recessed rearward as it approaches the left-right center, i.e., a V-groove 52v with a V-shaped cross section when viewed from above. The V-groove 52v makes it possible to hold specimens T of various shapes and sizes, and in particular, for round bars, it is possible to hold them with the left-right center aligned even if the outer diameters are different.

[0022] The support member 53 is supported by the specimen holder 41 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction integrally with an inner handle 61u that constitutes a part of the handle 61. More specifically, the specimen holder 41 has base members 43 arranged at an interval above and below, and the specimen holder 41 is supported by these base members 43 so that it can move back and forth. The lower base member 43 is fixed to the seat plate 71, and the upper base member 43 is fixed to the lower base member 43 via an outer handle 61s that forms part of the handle 61.

[0023] Penetrating members 44 that penetrate in the front-rear direction are inserted through these base members 43, and support members 53 are fixed to the front parts of these penetrating members 44. When the penetrating members 44 slide in the front-rear direction through the through holes of the base member 43, the penetrating members 44, the support members 53, and the inner handle 61u move together in the front-rear direction relative to the base member 43.

[0024] A biasing member 45 is interposed between the support member 53 and each base member 43. The biasing member 45 biases the support member 53 in the forward direction FR. A retaining member 46 (see FIG. 3) is attached to the rear of the penetrating member 44 to prevent the penetrating member 44 from coming off the base member 43. The retaining member 46 prevents the penetrating member 44 from coming off the base member 43 in the forward direction.

[0025] The outer handle 61s is provided at the rearmost part of the specimen holder 41. The inner handle 61u is fixed to the rear surface of the support member 53, and is provided between the outer handle 61s and the holding mechanism 51. The outer handle 61s has a rod-shaped gripping portion 61s1 that can be held by an operator with the hand, etc. The central axis L1 of the gripping portion 61s1 is located at a distance La rearward from the central axis of the specimen T held by the holding mechanism 51 (the position corresponding to C0 in FIG. 2).

[0026] The inner handle 61u has a rod-shaped grip portion 61u1 that can be gripped by an operator, located in front of the grip portion 61s1 of the outer handle 61s. The central axis L2 of the grip portion 61u1 is a distance Lb rearward from the central axis of the test piece T held by the holding mechanism 51 (a position corresponding to C0 in FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 2, distance Lb is less than distance La. The shapes and sizes of the handles 61s, 61u are set so that an operator can operate the grip portion 61u1 of the inner handle 61u while holding the grip portion 61s1 of the outer handle 61s.

[0027] More specifically, the inner handle 61u is shaped to be large enough for an operator's fingers (for example, four fingers) to fit inside, and the outer handle 61s is shaped to be large enough for an operator's hand to fit inside. The distance between the inner handle 61u and the outer handle 61s (a distance equivalent to La-Lb) is set so that an operator can grip the outer handle 61s with one hand and use the fingers of that hand to pull the inner handle 61u rearward. However, the shape and position of each handle 61 may be changed as appropriate within the scope that ensures operability. Furthermore, although FIG. 2 illustrates a case in which the grip portion 61s1 of the outer handle 61s and the grip portion 61u1 of the inner handle 61u are parallel to each other, they do not have to be parallel to each other.

[0028] The specimen holder 41 is provided with a separation member 47 that separates the specimen T from the holding mechanism 51 when the holding mechanism 51 is moved rearward by operating the inner handle 61u. The separation member 47 is formed of a plate-like member extending forward from each of the upper and lower base members 43. A groove 47v is formed on the front surface of the separation member 47, which is recessed rearward as it approaches the center on the left and right, that is, a V-groove 47v with a V-shaped cross section when viewed from above is formed.

[0029] The upper and lower base members 43 are provided with columnar stopper members 48 extending forward from each base member 43. When the support member 53 moves rearward against the biasing force of the biasing member 45, the stopper members 48 come into contact with the support member 53, thereby restricting further rearward movement of the support member 53.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the separation of the specimen T. 3 shows a normal state in which the support member 53 has moved to the front side of the specimen holder 41 due to the biasing force of the biasing member 45. In this state, the separating member 47 is positioned rearward and away from the specimen T held by the specimen holder 41, and the stopper member 48 is positioned rearward and away from the support member 53. The aforementioned anti-slip member 46 determines the forward-most position of the support member 53 in the normal state, that is, the forward-and-backward movable member consisting of the support member 53, the specimen holding portion 52, the specimen T held by the specimen holding portion 52, and the inner handle 61u.

[0031] 3 shows an operating state in which the inner handle 61u is pulled rearward. In this operating state, the support member 53 moves rearward against the biasing force of the biasing member 45, and moves to a position where it abuts against the stopper member 48. In this case, the front surface of the separating member 47 abuts against the specimen T that moves integrally with the support member 53, and then moves further forward, pushing the specimen T away from the specimen holding portion 52 of the support member 53.

[0032] As described above, the V-groove 47v, which is recessed rearward, is formed on the front surface of the separating member 47, and the V-groove 47v can prevent the specimen T in contact with the V-groove 47v from moving in the left-right direction. This makes it easier to reliably separate the specimens T held by magnetic force. Furthermore, the V-groove 47v makes it easier to separate specimens T of various shapes and sizes, including round bars. The position at which the support member 53 abuts against the stopper member 48 may be set appropriately within a range that allows the test piece T to be pushed off. Also, the support member 53 may be formed into a shape other than the V-groove 47v.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the specimen holder 41 can be placed on the lower crosshead 17 by a seat plate 71 . FIG. 4 is a view showing the specimen holder 41 from above, and FIG. 5 is a view showing the specimen holder 41 from the front. As shown in Fig. 4, the seat panel 71 is formed in a gate-like flat plate shape that is open at the front in a plan view (top view). More specifically, the seat panel 71 integrally includes left and right front-rear extension plate portions 71a and a bridging plate portion 71b that connects the rear portions of the left and right front-rear extension plate portions 71a. A plurality of positioning pins 73 (two in this embodiment) are attached to the left and right front-rear extension plate portions 71a at intervals in the front-rear direction. The positioning pins 73 penetrate the front-rear extension plate portions 71a in the up-down direction, thereby forming protrusions 73a whose lower portions protrude downward beyond the front-rear extension plate portions 71a.

[0034] 4, the positioning pins 73 including the protrusions 73a are arranged on the front-to-rear extension plate 71a at intervals in the forward direction FR of the specimen holder 41. The upper surface of the lower crosshead 17 is formed with a plurality of (two rows in this embodiment) elongated holes 17m extending linearly in the front-to-rear direction of the materials testing machine 1 (direction along the Y-axis). 5, each protrusion 73a of the specimen holder 41 fits into the long hole 17m so as to be movable in the front-to-rear direction of the materials testing machine 1, and so as to be immovable in the left-to-right direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the materials testing machine 1. As a result, the specimen holder 41 is guided by the protrusions 73a and the long hole 17m so as to be movable in the front-to-rear direction of the materials testing machine 1, and movement in the left-to-right direction of the materials testing machine 1 is restricted.

[0035] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 , the specimen T is held at the lateral center of the specimen holder 41, and a central axis C0 indicating the gripping position of the grippers 18 and 19 is provided at the lateral center of the materials testing machine 1. By inserting the protrusion 73a of the specimen holder 41 into the elongated hole 17m of the materials testing machine, the lateral center of the specimen holder 41 can be easily aligned with the lateral center of the materials testing machine. In addition, the protrusion 73a can be fitted into the elongated hole 17m at a position away from the specimen T toward the rear of the specimen holder 41. Therefore, by sliding the specimen holder 41 in the forward direction FR, the specimen T held by the specimen holder 41 can be easily moved toward the central axis C0 of the grippers 18 and 19.

[0036] 2 and 5, feet 75 made of magnetic members are fixed at intervals in the front-to-rear direction to the underside of the front-to-rear extension plate 71a of the specimen holder 41. The lower crosshead 17 is made of a metal material that can be attracted by magnetic force, so the feet 75 can be attracted to the lower crosshead 17 by magnetic force. However, the magnetic force of the foot 75 is set to a level that allows the operator who will be using the specimen holder 41 to easily pull the specimen holder 41 off the lower crosshead 17 and easily slide it back and forth on the lower crosshead 17.

[0037] This makes it easier to maintain the specimen holder 41 in a self-supporting state on the lower crosshead 17, and also prevents the specimen holder 41 from moving against the operator's will. Furthermore, the specimen holder 41 can be easily slid forward and backward. This also makes it easier to move the specimen T held by the specimen holder 41 to the gripping position (central axis C0) of the grippers 18 and 19, and also makes it easier to move the specimen holder 41 away from the gripping position (central axis C0) of the grippers 18 and 19.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , the seat plate 71 is provided with indicators 71s that allow the longitudinal position of the specimen holder 41 on the lower crosshead 17 to be confirmed. In this embodiment, the indicators 71s, which are arrow-shaped marks, are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction on the upper surface of one of the left and right longitudinal extension plate portions 71a of the seat plate 71. In addition, a reference line 17k, which indicates a predetermined reference position of the lower crosshead 17 in the longitudinal direction, is provided on the upper surface of the lower crosshead 17. By aligning the indicators 71s and the reference line 17k in a predetermined positional relationship, the longitudinal position of the specimen holder 41 relative to the materials testing machine 1 can be visually confirmed, and the longitudinal position of the specimen holder 41 can be adjusted so that the specimen T held by the specimen holder 41 overlaps the gripping position (center axis C0) of the grippers 18 and 19.

[0039] Note that the information is not limited to the indicator 71s, and a predetermined scale may be provided in addition to the indicator 71s, or a scale may be provided instead of the indicator 71s. In short, predetermined information that enables confirmation of the position of the specimen holder 41 in the front-rear direction can be widely applied. Furthermore, the information is not limited to the reference line 17k, and appropriate predetermined information that enables confirmation of the predetermined position of the lower crosshead 17 may be provided on the lower crosshead 17.

[0040] Next, the operating procedure for setting the specimen T in the material testing machine 1 will be described. First, the operator holds the specimen T in the holding mechanism 51 of the specimen holder 41. Next, the operator places the specimen holder 41 on the lower crosshead 17. In this case, the operator places the specimen holder 41 at an arbitrary position where the protrusion 73a of the specimen holder 41 fits into the elongated hole 17m of the lower crosshead 17 and is away from the gripping positions (corresponding to the central axis C0) of the grippers 18 and 19. In addition, if the grippers 18, 19 of the material testing machine 1 are in a closed state, the operator operates each switch box 15s, 17s of the material testing machine 1 to open the grippers 18, 19.

[0041] Next, the operator grasps the outer handle 61s and slides the specimen holder 41 in the forward direction FR. This moves the specimen T toward the gripping position (central axis C0) of the gripping tools 18 and 19. In this case, the operator can move the specimen holder 41 with just one hand. The operator can visually confirm the front-to-rear position of the specimen holder 41 relative to the lower crosshead 17 by using the indicator 71s provided on the seat plate 71. Therefore, it is easy to confirm whether the specimen T is positioned at the gripping position (central axis C0) of the gripping tools 18 and 19.

[0042] Once the operator confirms that the specimen T is positioned at the gripping position (center axis C0) of the grippers 18, 19, he or she operates the switch boxes 15s, 17s of the materials testing machine 1 to close the grippers 18, 19. This allows the specimen T to be gripped by the grippers 18, 19. The operator then slides the inner handle 61u rearward to move the specimen holder 41 to a position away from the grippers 18, 19, and removes the specimen holder 41 from the materials testing machine 1. This completes the process of setting the specimen T in the materials testing machine 1.

[0043] This embodiment provides the following effects. The specimen holder 41 of this embodiment includes a holding mechanism 51 that holds the specimen T and a handle 61 that is spaced apart from the held specimen T. The specimen T can be inserted into the gripping position of the grippers 18, 19 of the materials testing machine 1 by gripping the handle 61. With this configuration, an operator can grip the handle 61 and move the specimen holder 41 toward the grippers 18, 19, thereby easily moving the specimen T to the gripping position of the grippers 18, 19 without bringing the operator's hands or the like close to the grippers 18, 19. The specimen T can then be gripped by the grippers 18, 19 by operating the switch boxes 15s, 17s of the materials testing machine 1 to close the grippers 18, 19.

[0044] This allows an operator to grasp the handle 61 and easily move the specimen T to the gripping position of the grippers 18, 19 of the materials testing machine 1. In this case, the operator's hands and fingers are at the position of the handle 61, so in a series of operations including the operation of closing the grippers 18, 19, the specimen T can be easily attached to the grippers 18, 19 without the operator's hands or the like approaching the grippers 18, 19. This also simplifies the setting work of setting the specimen T in the materials testing machine 1 and is advantageous in shortening the time required for the setting work.

[0045] In this embodiment, the holding mechanism 51 includes a seat plate 71 that can be placed on the lower crosshead 17 of the materials testing machine 1, and with the seat plate 71 placed on the lower crosshead 17, the handle 61 can be grasped and the specimen T can be inserted into the gripping position of the grippers 18, 19. With this configuration, the specimen holder 41 can be easily moved on the lower crosshead 17, and the specimen T can be easily moved to the gripping position of the grippers 18, 19. This also makes it easier to set the specimen T.

[0046] In this embodiment, the seat plate 71 is fitted into the elongated hole 17m extending in the insertion direction of the specimen T in the lower crosshead 17 (corresponding to the Y-axis direction) so as not to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction (corresponding to the X-axis direction), but is provided with a protrusion 73a that is fitted into the seat plate 71 so as to be movable in the insertion direction. With this configuration, the protrusion 73a moves along the elongated hole 17m, thereby guiding the specimen holder 41 to the gripping position of the grippers 18 and 19. This also facilitates the setting operation of the specimen T.

[0047] In this embodiment, the seat plate 71 has at least one of an index 71s and a scale that allows the position of the specimen holder 41 to be confirmed in the insertion direction of the specimen T. According to this configuration, the index 71s or the scale on the specimen holder 41 side makes it easy to adjust the position of the specimen holder 41 in the insertion direction of the specimen T.

[0048] In this embodiment, the handle 61 includes an outer handle 61s having a gripping portion 61s1 at a position spaced apart from the specimen T in the insertion direction, and an inner handle 61u disposed inside the outer handle 61s. The outer handle 61s is fixed to the seat plate 71, and the inner handle 61u is biased toward the specimen T with respect to the seat plate 71 by a biasing member 45. When the inner handle 61u moves backward, on the opposite side of the specimen T, against the biasing force of the biasing member 45, the retention of the specimen T by the retention mechanism 51 is released. According to this configuration, by using the outer handle 61s, the specimen T can be easily moved to the gripping position of the grippers 18, 19 without bringing the operator's hands or the like close to the grippers 18, 19. Furthermore, by operating the inner handle 61u, the specimen T can be easily separated without bringing the operator's hands or the like close to the grippers 18, 19. These also make the setting work of the specimen T easier.

[0049] In this embodiment, the holding mechanism 51 is magnetic, which simplifies the configuration for holding the specimen T and is advantageous for reducing the size and weight of the specimen holder 41. This holding mechanism 51 includes a specimen holding portion 52 on the inner handle 61u side that functions as a holding magnet that holds the specimen T by magnetic force, and a separation member 47 on the outer handle 61s side that comes into contact with the specimen T when the inner handle 61u moves opposite the specimen T against the biasing force of the biasing member 45, thereby separating the specimen T from the specimen holding portion 52. According to this configuration, by operating the inner handle 61u, the specimen T held by magnetic force can be easily separated. This simplifies the operation and configuration for separating the specimen T, which is advantageous in facilitating the setting work of the specimen T and in reducing the size and weight of the specimen holder 41.

[0050] In this embodiment, the specimen holding portion 52 has a V-groove consisting of a groove with a V-shaped cross section that comes into contact with the specimen T, and therefore can hold specimens T of various shapes and sizes with a simple configuration. Note that, depending on the shape of the specimen T, the configuration may not have a V-groove, or may have a concave shape other than a V-groove.

[0051] In this embodiment, the seat plate 71 has feet 75 that function as fixed magnets that are attracted to the lower crosshead 17 by magnetic force, so that the specimen holder 41 can be temporarily fixed to the lower crosshead 17 using magnetic force, making it easier to move the specimen T to the gripping position of the gripping tools 18 and 19.

[0052] [2. Second Embodiment] Next, a specimen holder 41 according to a second embodiment will be described. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a specimen holder 41 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 7 is a view showing the specimen holder 41 from above. Fig. 8 is a view showing the specimen holder 41 from the side. 6 to 8, in the specimen holder 41 according to the second embodiment, the holding mechanism 51 includes a pair of clamping portions 55, 56 that clamp the specimen T at the front of the specimen holder 41. The pair of clamping portions 55, 56 includes a first clamping portion 55 that presses the specimen T from the front to the rear, and a second clamping portion 56 that presses the specimen T from the rear to the front. Figures 6 and 7 show the specimen T held by the holding mechanism 51 schematically shown by a dotted line, and show the specimen T moved to a position overlapping with the central axis C0 indicating the gripping position of the gripping tools 18 and 19.

[0053] The specimen holder 41 has a single base member 43 that is fixed to the seat plate 71 and extends in the vertical direction, and a first clamping portion 55 and a second clamping portion 56 are attached to the base member 43. The first clamping unit 55 includes an arm 55m extending forward from the single base member 43, and a first clamping unit body 55a made of a plate-like member extending laterally from the front end of the arm 55m. The arm 55m and the first clamping unit body 55a are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

[0054] The second clamping unit 56 has a second clamping unit body 56a made of a plate-like member extending in the vertical direction behind the first clamping unit body 55a. The second clamping unit body 56a is attached to the front of a penetrating member 44 that penetrates the single base member 43 in the front-rear direction at an interval above and below, and is provided behind the first clamping unit body 55a so as to be movable in the front-rear direction.

[0055] A biasing member 45 is interposed between the second clamping unit body 56a and the base member 43, and the biasing member 45 biases the second clamping unit body 56a in the forward direction FR. This biasing force is used to generate a clamping force that clamps the specimen T between the second clamping unit body 56a and the first clamping unit body 55a. In other words, the holding mechanism 51 is a clamp type that uses the biasing force to hold the specimen T, and is not limited to specimens T that can be attracted by magnetic force, but can hold specimens T made of any material.

[0056] A groove 55v (FIG. 7) is formed on the rear surface of the first clamping unit body 55a, which is recessed forward as it approaches the left-right center, i.e., a V-groove 55v with a V-shaped cross section in top view is formed. Also, a groove 56v is formed on the front surface of the second clamping unit body 56a, which is recessed backward as it approaches the left-right center, i.e., a V-groove 56v with a V-shaped cross section in top view is formed. These V-grooves 55v, 56v make it possible to hold test specimens T of various shapes and sizes, and in particular, for round bars, they can be held with their left-right centers aligned even if the outer diameters are different. The first clamping portion body 55a and the second clamping portion body 56a are provided at positions to hold the area of ​​the specimen T excluding both end portions held by the grippers 18 and 19 of the material testing machine 1.

[0057] One of the portions having the V-grooves 55v, 56v is formed from a metal material such as an aluminum alloy, while the other is formed from a resin material that comes into contact with the specimen T. This makes it possible to prevent the clamping force on the specimen T from becoming excessive and to prevent the specimen T from being damaged. Note that the portions having the V-grooves 55v, 56v can be made of any appropriate material as long as they can grip the specimen T, and both may be made from a resin material or a metal material.

[0058] The inner handle 61u is fixed to the rear of the upper and lower penetrating members 44, which move back and forth integrally with the second clamping unit body 56a. As a result, similar to the first embodiment, the specimen T can be separated from the holding mechanism 51 by pulling the inner handle 61u rearward against the biasing force of the biasing member 45. The penetrating members 44 and the inner handle 61u may be configured as one unit. In this case, the second clamping unit body 56a is fixed to the front of the inner handle 61u.

[0059] The specimen holder 41 according to the second embodiment includes a stopper mechanism 65 that restricts movement of the inner handle 61u. The stopper mechanism 65 includes a shaft member 66 that protrudes rearward from the second clamping unit body 56a, and a stopper body 67 that is fixed to the front surface of the base member 43 and can clamp the shaft member 66. The stopper body 67 is provided with an operating lever 68 that can be freely operated by the operator, and by moving the operating lever 68 to a predetermined lock position, the shaft member 66 is clamped and the forward and backward movement of the inner handle 61u and the second clamping unit body 56a is restricted. When the operating lever 68 is moved to a predetermined unlock position, the stopper body 67 no longer clamps the shaft member 66, and the inner handle 61u and the second clamping unit body 56a can move forward and backward.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, the outer handle 61s is fixed to the rear surface of the base member 43, and is provided at the rearmost part of the specimen holder 41. The outer handle 61s has a rod-shaped gripping portion 61s1 that can be held by an operator with the hand, etc. The central axis L1 of the gripping portion 61s1 is located at a distance La rearward from the central axis of the specimen T held by the holding mechanism 51 (the position corresponding to C0 in FIG. 6). The inner handle 61u has a rod-shaped gripping portion 61u1 that can be held by an operator, located in front of the gripping portion 61s1 of the outer handle 61s. The central axis L2 of the gripping portion 61u1 is spaced a distance Lb rearward from the central axis of the specimen T held by the holding mechanism 51 (the position corresponding to C0 in FIG. 6).

[0061] That is, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the outer handle 61s and the inner handle 61u are disposed at positions rearward and away from the specimen T held by the holding mechanism 51. The shapes and sizes of the handles 61s, 61u are set so that an operator can operate the grip portion 61u1 of the inner handle 61u while holding the grip portion 61s1 of the outer handle 61s. The outer handle 61s is shaped to be large enough for one hand of the operator to fit inside, and the inner handle 61u is shaped to be large enough for the operator's fingers (for example, four fingers) to fit inside the outer handle 61s. The shape and position of each handle 61 may be changed as appropriate as long as operability is ensured.

[0062] 6 and 7, the seat plate 71 is integrally provided with left and right front-rear extension plate portions 71a and a bridging plate portion 71b connecting the rear portions of the left and right front-rear extension plate portions 71a. One of the left and right front-rear extension plate portions 71a, the left front-rear extension plate portion 71a, is formed shorter than the right front-rear extension plate portion 71a. This allows the left front-rear extension plate portion 71a to be retracted rearward of the test specimen T, making it possible to easily insert and remove the test specimen T from the left side between the pair of clamping portions 55, 56 of the holding mechanism 51, as indicated by the symbol α in FIG. 7.

[0063] The left and right front-rear extension plate portions 71a are provided with a plurality of positioning pins 73. More specifically, the right front-rear extension plate portion 71a is provided with two positioning pins 73 spaced apart in the front-rear direction, and the left front-rear extension plate portion 71a is provided with one positioning pin 73. 7, the projections 73a formed at the lower ends of these positioning pins 73 fit into the elongated holes 17m of the lower crosshead 17, thereby aligning the lateral center position of the specimen holder 41 (corresponding to the holding position of the specimen T) with the lateral center position of the material test (corresponding to the position of the central axis C0 of the gripping tools 18, 19). Furthermore, the projections 73a and the elongated holes 17m make it possible to guide the specimen holder 41 and the specimen T toward the gripping position of the gripping tools 18, 19.

[0064] 7, the holding mechanism 51 is provided with an index 71s that enables confirmation of the front-rear position of the specimen holder 41 on the lower crosshead 17. Furthermore, a reference line 17k that indicates a predetermined reference position of the lower crosshead 17 in the front-rear direction is provided on the upper surface of the lower crosshead 17.

[0065] The operation procedure for setting the specimen T in the materials testing machine 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment, except that when the specimen T is held by the holding mechanism 51, the stopper mechanism 65 is locked / unlocked by operating the operating lever 68. Therefore, a duplicated explanation of the operation procedure will be omitted.

[0066] The second embodiment provides the following effects. The specimen holder 41 of the second embodiment has a configuration similar to that of the first embodiment, including a holding mechanism 51 for holding the specimen T and a handle 61 spaced apart from the held specimen T, and the specimen T can be freely inserted into the gripping positions of the grippers 18, 19 of the materials testing machine 1 by gripping the handle 61. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the specimen T can be easily attached to the grippers 18, 19 without the operator having to bring their hands or the like close to the grippers 18, 19. This also simplifies the setting work of setting the specimen T in the materials testing machine 1 and is advantageous in shortening the time required for the setting work.

[0067] In the second embodiment, the holding mechanism 51 is of a clamp type, so that even a heavy specimen T can be easily held with sufficient holding force by adjusting the clamping force. In the second embodiment, the holding mechanism 51 has a pair of clamping parts 55, 56 that clamp the specimen T, and both of the pair of clamping parts 55, 56 have V-grooves 55v, 56v that are grooves with a V-shaped cross section that come into contact with the specimen T. With this simple configuration, specimens T of various shapes and sizes can be clamped.

[0068] At least one of the pair of clamping portions 55, 56 may have a V-groove consisting of a groove with a V-shaped cross section that comes into contact with the specimen T. Depending on the shape of the specimen T, the configuration may not have a V-groove, or may have a concave shape other than a V-groove.

[0069] In the second embodiment, at least one of the pair of clamping portions 55, 56 has a resin material that functions as a flexible material that comes into contact with the specimen T. This configuration can prevent the clamping force on the specimen T from becoming excessive and prevent the specimen T from being damaged. Note that a flexible material other than a resin material may also be used.

[0070] In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the handle 61 includes an outer handle 61s having a gripping portion 61s1 at a position away from the specimen T in the insertion direction, and an inner handle 61u arranged inside the outer handle 61s, the outer handle 61s is fixed to the seat plate 71 side, the inner handle 61u is biased toward the specimen T with respect to the seat plate 71 by a biasing member 45, and when the inner handle 61u moves toward the rear, on the opposite side of the specimen T, against the biasing force of the biasing member 45, the retention of the specimen T by the holding mechanism 51 is released. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, a stopper mechanism 65 is provided that restricts movement of the inner handle 61u. According to this configuration, even if the inner handle 61u is erroneously operated after holding the specimen T, the stopper mechanism 65 restricts movement of the inner handle 61u, thereby preventing the specimen T from being unintentionally separated.

[0071] Also, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the holding mechanism 51 has a seat plate 71 that can be placed on the lower crosshead 17 of the materials testing machine 1. This allows the specimen holder 41 to be easily moved on the lower crosshead 17, and the specimen T to be easily moved to the gripping positions of the grippers 18 and 19.

[0072] Also in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the seat plate 71 is provided with a protrusion 73a that fits into the elongated hole 17m extending in the insertion direction (corresponding to the Y-axis direction) of the specimen T in the lower crosshead 17 so as not to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction (corresponding to the X-axis direction), but is movable in the insertion direction. This allows the specimen holder 41 to guide the specimen T to the gripping positions of the grippers 18 and 19.

[0073] Also in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the seat plate 71 has an index 71s that enables confirmation of the position of the specimen holder 41 in the insertion direction of the specimen T. This makes it easy to adjust the position of the specimen holder 41 in the insertion direction of the specimen T. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the indicator 71s, and a predetermined scale may be provided in addition to the indicator 71s, or a scale may be provided instead of the indicator 71s. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the reference line 17k, and appropriate predetermined information that enables confirmation of the predetermined position of the lower crosshead 17 may be provided on the lower crosshead 17.

[0074] [3. Modifications] The above-described embodiments are merely examples of aspects of the present invention, and can be modified and applied as desired without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0075] In each of the above-described embodiments, the structure and shape of each part of the specimen holder 41 and the materials testing machine 1 may be changed as appropriate. For example, the specimen holder 41 of the first embodiment may be provided with a stopper mechanism 65 that restricts movement of the inner handle 61u, and the stopper mechanism 65 may be omitted from the specimen holder 41 of the second embodiment.

[0076] In each of the above-described embodiments, an example has been given of setting a specimen T in the material testing machine 1 shown in Figure 1, but the specimen holder 41 of each embodiment may also be used when setting a specimen T in other material testing machines.

[0077] [4. Aspects] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0078] (Section 1) In one embodiment, the specimen holder includes a holding mechanism for holding a specimen T for material testing and a handle spaced apart from the held specimen, and the handle can be grasped to allow the specimen to be inserted into a gripping position of a gripping tool of a materials testing machine.

[0079] According to the specimen holder described in paragraph 1, an operator can grasp the handle and easily move the specimen to the gripping position of the grip of the materials testing machine. In this case, since the operator's hands and fingers are at the handle position, the operator can easily attach the specimen to the grip without bringing their hands or other parts close to the grip.

[0080] (Section 2) In the specimen holder described in paragraph 1, the holding mechanism may include a seat plate that can be placed on the crosshead of the material testing machine, and with the seat plate placed on the crosshead, the handle (61) can be grasped to make it possible to insert the specimen into the gripping position of the gripping tool.

[0081] According to the specimen holder described in paragraph 2, the seat plate allows the specimen holder to be easily moved on the crosshead, and the specimen can be easily moved to the gripping position of the gripping tool.

[0082] (Section 3) In the specimen holder described in paragraph 3, the seat plate may be provided with a protrusion that fits into a long hole in the crosshead extending in the insertion direction of the specimen so as to be immovable in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, and that fits into the long hole so as to be movable in the insertion direction.

[0083] According to the specimen holder described in item 2, the projection moves along the long hole, so that the specimen holder can guide the specimen to the gripping position of the gripper.

[0084] (Section 4) In the specimen holder according to paragraph 2 or 3, the seat plate may be provided with at least one of an index and a scale that allows the position of the specimen holder in the insertion direction of the specimen to be confirmed.

[0085] According to the specimen holder described in item 4, the position of the specimen holder in the specimen insertion direction can be easily adjusted by using either the index or the scale on the specimen holder side.

[0086] (Section 5) In the specimen holder described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, the handle may include an outer handle having a gripping portion at a position away from the specimen in the insertion direction, and an inner handle arranged inside the outer handle, the outer handle being fixed to the seat plate side, the inner handle being biased toward the specimen with respect to the seat plate by a biasing member, and when the inner handle moves to the opposite side of the specimen against the biasing force of the biasing member, the retention of the specimen by the holding mechanism may be released.

[0087] According to the specimen holder described in paragraph 5, by using the outer handle, the specimen can be easily moved to the gripping position of the gripping tool without bringing the operator's hands or the like close to the gripping tool. Also, by using the inner handle, the specimen can be easily separated without bringing the operator's hands or the like close to the gripping tool.

[0088] (Section 6) In the specimen holder described in paragraph 5, the holding mechanism may include a holding magnet on the inner handle side that holds the specimen by magnetic force, and a separation member on the outer handle side that abuts against the specimen when the inner handle moves to the opposite side of the specimen against the biasing force of the biasing member, thereby separating the specimen from the holding magnet.

[0089] According to the specimen holder described in paragraph 6, the specimen can be easily held by the holding magnet, so the structure for holding the specimen is simple. In addition, by operating the inner handle, the specimen held by the magnetic force can be easily separated.

[0090] (Section 7) In the specimen holder described in item 6, the holding magnet may have a V-groove that is a groove with a V-shaped cross section and that comes into contact with the specimen.

[0091] According to the specimen holder described in item 7, it is possible to hold specimens of various shapes and sizes with a simple configuration.

[0092] (Section 8) In the specimen holder described in paragraph 5, the holding mechanism has a pair of clamping portions that clamp the specimen by the biasing force of the biasing member, and at least one of the pair of clamping portions may have a V-groove consisting of a groove with a V-shaped cross section that contacts the specimen.

[0093] According to the specimen holder described in item 8, the pair of clamping portions and the V-groove have a simple configuration and can clamp specimens of various shapes and sizes.

[0094] (Section 9) The specimen holder according to item 5 may further include a stopper mechanism that restricts movement of the inner handle.

[0095] According to the specimen holder described in paragraph 9, the stopper mechanism restricts the movement of the inner handle, thereby preventing the specimen from being separated due to an incorrect operation.

[0096] (Section 10) In the specimen holder according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, the seat plate may have a fixed magnet that is attracted to the crosshead by magnetic force.

[0097] According to the specimen holder described in paragraph 10, the specimen holder can be temporarily fixed to the crosshead using magnetic force by the fixed magnet, making it easier to move the specimen to the gripping position of the gripping tool.

[0098] (Section 11) In the specimen holder described in item 8, at least one of the pair of clamping portions may have a flexible material that comes into contact with the specimen.

[0099] According to the specimen holder described in paragraph 11, the flexible material that comes into contact with the specimen can prevent the specimen from being clamped with excessive force and from being damaged. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1. Material testing machine 17 Lower crosshead (crosshead) 17m long hole 18, 19 Grasping tool 41 Specimen holder 45 biasing member 51 History of retention 52 Test specimen holding part (holding magnet) 52v V groove 55, 56 Clamping part 61 Handle 61u Inner handle 61s outer handle 65 Stopper mechanism 71 Seat board 71s indicator (indicator, scale) 73a Protrusion 75 Foot (fixed magnet) 100 control device C0 central axis (gripping position of the gripper) T specimen

Claims

1. a holding mechanism for holding a specimen for material testing; a handle spaced apart from the held specimen; The handle can be gripped and the specimen can be inserted into the gripping position of the gripper of the material testing machine. Specimen holder.

2. the holding mechanism includes a seat plate that can be placed on the crosshead of the materials testing machine, With the seat plate placed on the crosshead, the handle can be gripped and the specimen can be inserted into the gripping position of the gripper.

2. The specimen holder of claim 1.

3. The seat plate is fitted into a long hole in the crosshead extending in the insertion direction of the test piece so as not to move in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, and includes a protrusion that is fitted into the long hole so as to be movable in the insertion direction.

3. A specimen holder according to claim 2.

4. The seat plate is provided with at least one of an index and a scale that allows the position of the specimen holder in the insertion direction of the specimen to be confirmed.

4. A specimen holder according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The handle includes an outer handle having a grip portion at a position spaced apart from the specimen in the insertion direction, and an inner handle disposed inside the outer handle, The outer handle is fixed to the seat plate side, The inner handle is biased toward the test piece by a biasing member with respect to the seat plate, When the inner handle is moved to the opposite side of the specimen against the biasing force of the biasing member, the holding mechanism releases the specimen. A specimen holder according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The holding mechanism includes a holding magnet on the inner handle side that holds the specimen by magnetic force, A separating member is provided on the outer handle side, and the separating member comes into contact with the specimen when the inner handle moves to the opposite side of the specimen against the biasing force of the biasing member, thereby separating the specimen from the holding magnet.

6. A specimen holder according to claim 5.

7. The holding magnet has a V-groove having a V-shaped cross section that comes into contact with the specimen.

7. A specimen holder according to claim 6.

8. the holding mechanism has a pair of clamping parts that clamp the specimen by the biasing force of the biasing member, At least one of the pair of clamping parts has a V-groove having a V-shaped cross section that comes into contact with the specimen.

6. A specimen holder according to claim 5.

9. A stopper mechanism is provided to restrict the movement of the inner handle.

6. A specimen holder according to claim 5.

10. The seat plate has a fixed magnet that is attracted to the crosshead by magnetic force. A specimen holder according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. At least one of the pair of clamping members has a flexible material that contacts the specimen.

9. A specimen holder according to claim 8.

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